Surviving and Thriving in a Global Pandemic, University Surgical Associates

As endocrine surgeons, we, Farah Karipineni, MD, MPH, FACS, and Christina Maser, MD, FACS, were faced with difficult decisions as the coronavirus pandemic began to evolve in early March. As uncertainty loomed and recommendations came to shelter in place, we became early adopters of telehealth technology to remain in contact with our patients.

The health care system has faced significant challenges with more uncertainty than ever regarding this virus. Avoiding physical contact is simply not possible when providing medical care but adopting methods to do so safely required innovation and adjustment. Our most profound concern became the safety of our patients and our staff as we identified those patients who were most at-risk not only from coronavirus but also from their medical diagnoses.

Our office quickly adapted, and now offers a combination of telehealth options and physically distanced face-to-face care. The efforts to clean and sterilize the office between patients, keep patient appointments spaced apart, and offer telehealth appointment options have helped us return to near-normal business operations.

During this time, we have also had the opportunity to form a closer relationship with one of our partners, which will enhance the services provided here in the Central Valley for cancer care, as a large portion of what we do is treating cancer of the endocrine system. We are excited to announce that we will be moving and combining services with Amir Fathi, MD, FACS, streamlining surgical oncology services for patients in the Central Valley starting July 1, 2020.

If there is one positive thing that a global pandemic can bring, it is innovation. While this storm has not been easy to weather, we remain optimistic about the changes we have accomplished and aim to achieve in a short period of time. We are excited to continue providing innovative, responsive, high-quality care in the safest way possible.